The Detroit Lions saw a pretty solid season out of their linebackers room in 2023, but should the team consider making an addition there in 2024?
In the opinion of Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, they should. He suggests the Lions sign veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham. His explanation is as follows:
While Alex Anzalone had a good season in 2023, the Lions could use another option to line up alongside Anzalone. Derrick Barnes’ play was up and down for the majority of last year and Jack Campbell had a pedestrian rookie campaign.
Adding Cunningham would give them another veteran option to compete for a starting spot during training camp, and Pro Football Focus is only projecting him to receive a one-year, $2.75 million contract. So, it’s worth the shot to bring him in and at least add some depth to the position group.
Cunningham, who once led the NFL in tackles in 2020, played in 13 games for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, starting in 10 of them. He has dealt with injury issues the past two seasons, missing 11 games in 2022 and another four contests last season.
He would add more experience and depth to a young group behind Alex Anzalone and is a plus run defender, but Cunningham has traditionally struggled in coverage, so he wouldn’t be of much help there.
Linebacker is one of the last positions the Lions need to address this offseason and they’re doing just fine with Anzalone, Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell, thus they would be better suited spending their funds elsewhere.
Author(s)
After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.
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